Vertical Aerospace Plans Electric Flying Taxi Service to London Airports by 2028

Vertical Aerospace, a UK-based company, announced plans to introduce electric flying taxi services for London airport passengers by 2028. Its Valo aircraft, designed to carry up to six passengers, is currently seeking regulatory approval, with the company aiming for Type Certification from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) within three years. The first commercial routes are expected to connect city centers, such as Canary Wharf, with major London airports including Gatwick and Heathrow, as well as other cities like Cambridge and Oxford. A full-scale prototype of the Valo is being showcased at an open house in Canary Wharf.

The Valo aircraft is engineered to fly up to 100 miles at speeds reaching 150mph. Initially, it will launch with a four-seat cabin, accommodating six cabin bags and six checked bags, featuring panoramic windows and a cockpit divider. The design allows for future expansion to a six-seat configuration, which could lead to lower fares. Vertical Aerospace is currently building seven certification aircraft in the UK for final testing with regulatory bodies to ensure safety standards are met before commercial service begins.

While initially positioned as a premium product for airport transfers, Vertical Aerospace anticipates that the Valo will become significantly more affordable as production scales, eventually competing with ground transport options like ride-sharing services. The company emphasizes the aircraft's efficiency, low maintenance, and high operational frequency as factors contributing to its long-term affordability. Beyond passenger transport, the Valo also has the potential to support emergency medical services and cargo missions, underscoring its versatility and the UK's leadership in aerospace innovation.